barbed

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbärbd How to pronounce barbed (audio)
Synonyms of barbednext
1
: having barbs
2
: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm
barbed witticisms

barbed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of barb entry 2

Synonyms of barbed

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Adjective

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Examples of barbed in a Sentence

Adjective The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate. barbed satire on American academia
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Adjective
There are plenty of Ostalgie museums in today’s united Germany, furnished with memorabilia of the German Democratic Republic, from twigs of barbed wire to Trabant gearboxes. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 Across the lot in an unused patch of pavement, pops of bright orange and yellow reach skyward toward the imposing barbed wire that’s laced atop metal security bars. — Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Up the other side of the ravine there is another fence, much like the first, but without the barbed wire. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026 Light tubes, chains, scaffolds, chairs and a barbed wire table all made an appearance. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barbed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbed was in 1611

Phrases Containing barbed

Rhymes for barbed

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Browse Nearby Words

barbecue sauce
barbed
barbed wire
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Cite this Entry

“Barbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbed. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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